The Pittsburgh Maulers were one of six expansion teams added for the USFL's second season. Owned by Eddie DeBartolo Sr.

, Owner of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins and father of San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. The Maulers got a big boost when they won the rights to the number one draft pick.

However, the draft lottery that earned the Maulers the top pick was rigged as they were already in negotiations with Heisman Winner Mike Rozier of Nebraska, who signed a record $1 million bonus to join the USFL's Maulers. Coached by Joe Pendry the Maulers offense was led by longtime Dallas Cowboys third string Quarterback Glenn Carano After losing their first two games on the road, the Maulers made their home debut on March 11th at Three Rivers Stadium against the Birmingham Stallions.

The Maulers had their best crowd of the season, but the game ended in disappointment as the Stallions won 30-18 as Pittsburgh fans pelted Stallions QB Cliff Stoudt, a longtime Steelers backup with snowballs. The Maulers would finally win the following against the Washington Federals 16-7 at RFK Stadium.

Wins would be few and far between for the Maulers, who lost eight of their first ten games, which led to the dismissal of Joe Pendry. The Maulers would name assistant Ellis Rainsberger as coach for the remainder of the season.

Pittsburgh did not play much better under Rainsberger as they lost seven of their last eight games and finished tied with the Federals for the worst record in the USFL at 3-15. Among the big disappointments was Mike Rozier who rushed for 792 yards on 223 carries with just three touchdowns, while Glen Carano had 2,368 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.